On June 9-11, 2017, SaskMusic produced its third CCMIA Bell Media Canadian Songwriter Challenge. Nine participants took part in a three-day retreat that included group songwriting sessions, Skype sessions with industry experts Evan Bogart and Lauriana Zuluaga, one on one’s with Justin Gray, songwriting and licensing discussions with Devaki Joshi, as well as a workshop on ‘The Anatomy of a hit Song’. The weekend was wrapped up with a day of recording with producer Ryan Andersen. The event was held at The Recording Arts Institute (RAIS) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Mentor and acclaimed Producer, Justin Gray, led the challenge and worked with each group by offering advice and feedback to help with the creative process. Justin and SaskMusic recapped the event with a demo listening session and closing statements.